Ronald Arthur Anderson

Jan. 12, 1928 — Sept. 4, 2009

POSTEDSeptember 11, 2009 10:21 p.m.

Services for Ronald Anderson, 81, will be held at 11 a.m. on Sept. 14 at Turlock Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 425 Soderquist Rd. He passed away peacefully on Sept. 4, 2009, at Sequoia Assisted Living of Covenant Village of Turlock. Mr. Anderson, the son of Arthur R. and Emily J. Anderson, was born in Turlock. In first grade the family moved to Hilmar. Mr. Anderson graduated from Hilmar High School in 1945, where he starred in school plays and was editor of the year book. After graduating from Armstrong Business College in Berkeley, he served in the Air Force for four years during the Korean War and was stationed in Korea and Japan. Ron worked for MacBeath Hardware Company in Berkeley and retired in 1985, after 30 years as their lead accountant. Following his retirement he returned to Turlock.In his later years, Mr. Anderson experienced a significant renewal of his Christian faith. Visitors were greeted by his infectious smile that seemed to almost break into laughter. He would then often share what the Lord was teaching him and where he was in his Bible reading. He always carried a handwritten note in his pocket as a reminder of his faith. It was found in his pocket when he passed away. The note read: “Holy Spirit faithful guide, ever near the Christians’ side.”All who knew Mr. Anderson were aware of his extensive elephant collection. This collection started in high school when he was given a “Dumbo” Disney elephant from a teacher. Most of his elephants were gifts and Mr. Anderson could recall for any listener the details surrounding each gift and the giver. His home was full of these memories that represented the people who he loved and who loved him. In June 2009, Mr. Anderson moved to Covenant Village of Turlock and after living alone for many years, he was delighted to be surrounded by people. Each day was a great adventure for him as he made new friends. He was full of joy and let that joy and his engaging sense of humor delight everyone he was around.Mr. Anderson is survived by his nieces, Lori Bill of Turlock and Sharon Holmlund of Carlsbad; and grandnephews, Matt Bill of Turlock, Grayson Bill of Little Torch Key, Fla., Arthur Hawk of Waterford, Erik Holmlund and Karl Holmlund, both of Carlsbad, Calif.Mr. Anderson is preceded in death by his parents, Emily and Arthur Anderson; and sister, Dolores E. and her husband, Pierce G., Hawk and their son, Richard Hawk.Memorial gifts may be made to: Covenant Village Benevolent Care Fund, Covenant Village of Turlock, 2125 N. Olive Avenue, Turlock, CA 95382. Friends may send online condolences to www.turlockmemorialpark.com.